HARRY Potter creator JK Rowling has been honoured with the freedom of the City of London.

The author, who has sold more than 450million copies of her books, was given the accolade in recognition of her services to children’s literature.

Rowling was given the honour at the Mansion House in London, where she was presented with a framed parchment certificate.

She said: “I am prouder than I can say to be given the freedom of the City, which, on top of all the known benefits – and few people realise this – entitles me to a free pint in the Leaky Cauldron and a ten galleon voucher to spend in Diagon Alley.”